Nobody wants to feel self-conscious because they look older than they are. Regrettably, the lifestyle choices of your youth, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and foregoing sunscreen can accelerate the aging process. At Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO, we proudly offer a safe, effective solution for your cosmetic concerns. Today, we’re looking at some of the most compelling benefits of the FDA-approved SkinPen device.
What Are the Benefits of SkinPen Treatments?
It Is Versatile
One of the most exciting benefits of SkinPen microneedling treatments is the versatility of the device. For example, it is commonly used to treat the following cosmetic concerns:
- Acne scars
- Trauma scars
- Surgical scars
- Acne
- Dark spots
- Severe hyperpigmentation
- Rough skin
- Dry skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Dull skin
- Enlarged pores
- Fine lines
- Moderate-to-severe wrinkles
This versatility is in stark contrast to most other cosmetic treatments on the market. Most treatments can only address one concern in one region of the face. Microneedling can be used to address such a wide range of aesthetic concerns because it induces extra collagen production. In fact, some people even refer to microneedling as collagen induction therapy. Collagen is a protein that your skin uses to heal whatever problems it is having.
It Is Reliable
Another exciting benefit of microneedling treatments is their reliability. The SkinPen device we use to perform the microneedling treatments is FDA-approved. To get FDA approval, it had to go through rigorous, independent clinical trials. The results of these independent clinical trials proved that this treatment is reliably effective in collagen induction, and the extra localized collagen production reliably results in the skin healing itself, looking younger and healthier.
It Is Safe
The results of extensive clinical trials also showed that microneedling with the SkinPen device is incredibly safe. In fact, the FDA found that the device was so safe that it is approved for almost everyone. For instance, you can seek this treatment regardless of your skin type, tone, or texture, and microneedling is one of the only cosmetic treatments FDA-approved for people with rosacea.
However, there is a lack of research on its safety for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is advisable to hold off on this treatment if you are pregnant, nursing, or think you may be pregnant. Other individuals who should hold off on this treatment include those who have skin irritation in the treatment area at the time of their appointment. For instance, your microneedling session should be rescheduled if you have a sunburn or viral infection.
It Is Comfortable
Another great benefit of this treatment is you will not feel any pain or discomfort during your session. While there are needles that will puncture your skin to various depths depending on your cosmetic concerns, you won’t feel anything at all during your treatment session.
The gauge of the needles is very fine, so they aren’t painful to begin with. However, we also apply a topical numbing cream to the skin before the treatment begins so the entire treatment area is numb throughout the microneedling process.
It Is Convenient
The length of your treatment session depends on the size of your area of concern and the severity of the concern you want to treat. However, microneedling treatments usually only take between 20 and 40 minutes to complete.
Sessions will likely take around 20 minutes if you are treating a mild concern, like clogged or enlarged pores. If you are treating a more severe concern, like stretch marks or deep acne scars, your session will take longer because the device must be passed over the area of concern more times.
It Is Non-Invasive
Another great benefit of treatment with this device is its non-invasive nature. There is no downtime following this non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment. Therefore, you are free to come in on your lunch break and return to work without having to take any PTO. Also, there is only a brief, simple recovery process. All you have to do during your recovery period is:
- Wear high-quality sunscreen diligently
- Minimize time spent in direct sunlight
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat nutritiously
- Refrain from drinking alcohol
- Refrain from consuming tobacco products
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours
- Wear cosmetics that you know are gentle on your skin
- Remove makeup gently at the end of the day
It Is an Excellent Preventative Treatment
Microneedling doesn’t just reverse the signs of premature aging. It also slows the aging process down significantly. People show premature signs of aging because their existing collagen is damaged from nicotine, UVC damage, pollutants in the air, and other factors. However, these environmental factors don’t just damage existing collagen. They also slow the collagen production process.
Unfortunately, the signs of aging become apparent due to an insufficient quantity of quality collagen and elastin. Microneedling encourages the skin to produce enough extra collagen and elastin that the signs of aging are erased and the onset of new cosmetic concerns is delayed.
Other Microneedling FAQs Answered
How Should I Prepare for This Treatment?
Another benefit of the non-surgical nature of this treatment is that you don’t have to do too much to prepare for your treatment session. As a reminder, you will need to reschedule your appointment if the skin in the treatment area is irritated at the time of your session. Therefore, it is very important to take steps to prevent skin irritation. For instance, you should wear high-quality sunscreen diligently.
You should also use pharmaceuticals designed to prevent viral infections if you have a history of oral herpes or other viral skin infections. Similarly, you should use preventative acne medication if you’re worried about a whitehead or blackhead outbreak. Other things you should do to prepare for your treatment include:
- Making sure you’re hydrated
- Eating nutritiously
- Not smoking
- Not drinking alcohol
How Quickly Will the Results of This Treatment Become Apparent?
Depending on your age, skin health, and lifestyle choices, it may take between four and six weeks for your microneedling results to become apparent. Although this treatment encourages extra collagen production as soon as the needles penetrate your skin, it still takes a while for your skin to produce extra collagen.
While you have no control over your age, you can make lifestyle choices that are conducive to seeing the results of treatment as quickly as possible. For example, it is very important that you stay hydrated, eat plenty of protein, and eat at least one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetables with every meal. Specifically, you need to make sure you get enough protein and vitamin C in your diet for your skin to produce extra collagen.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
If your concerns are mild in nature, you will only need one treatment session to achieve your desired results. For example, you will only need one session if you are trying to unclog your pores, shrink enlarged pores, and prevent acne outbreaks. A single session is effective enough that your sebaceous glands will stop producing excess sebum, the oil that causes whitehead and blackhead outbreaks.
A single microneedling session is also effective enough that it will unclog your pores and shrink enlarged pores. What’s great about this is that once your pores are unclogged, topical products become much more effective because they can penetrate the skin much more effectively. Therefore, you will benefit more from preventative acne treatments, moisturizers, and other topical products. You will need two to six treatments if you have severe concerns.
How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?
The longevity of your treatment results depends on several factors, including the nature of the concerns being treated and how well you care for your skin after your course of treatments is complete. For example, you won’t need a follow-up treatment if you are treating acne scars or stretch marks. However, if you are treating fine lines and wrinkles, you may need a follow-up session every year.
Discover Today How Your Skin Can Heal Itself and Restore Its Youthful Glow
There are many benefits of SkinPen treatments, including versatility, reliability, safety, and comfort. To find out whether this revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment is right for you, reach out to us today at Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO to schedule your initial microneedling consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon and tailoring a comprehensive treatment plan that will allow you to achieve all of your aesthetic goals.